What happens if you get something in your eye?

Something in your eye? Resist the urge to rub. 👁️ Dr. Wiley explains how tears and blinking help wash away everyday irritants like sand, pollen, or a tiny bug. Rubbing can drag those particles across the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye and cause a painful scratch. For a loose particle, gently rinse with clean, lukewarm water or sterile saline. If it won’t rinse out, or you have significant pain or changes in vision, seek prompt eye care. Save this for the next time something gets in your eye.